British Open Day One Finalists

Below is the table of finalists for Sunday from day one of the British Open English Sporting at West Midlands Shooting Ground.

Day One Report:

With the British Open English Sporting selling out in record time this year, there was an air of excitement as shooters arrived at West Midlands Shooting Ground on Wednesday morning for the final Major Championship of the year.

Tom Jones and his team had the ground in immaculate order as the first few squads of the day set off to take on the 120 target course made up of 15 stands.

George Digweed MBE usually shoots early on at major championships to get his score on the board to set the standard for his rivals and today the benchmark was set very high.

Having won the British Open Sportrap at High Lodge last year, Digweed was one of the first on the course on Wednesday morning. Following his score of 92 ex 100 he commented, “I thought it was a technical round of clays, some difficult simultaneous doubles and ones that you really need to properly look at before you shoot.”

Bidding to win the British Open English Sporting title for a seventh time, George later shot a stunning 115 ex 120 in the main event, which comfortably earns him a place in Sunday’s Finals day.

Reflecting on the round he said, “I would say that’s probably the best round of sporting clays I’ve shot for several years. There was something for everybody, it was very technical and the utilisation of the ground is exemplary.”

“I missed a rabbit on the last stand, but apart from that there was nothing else out there for me. I think if someone shoots 116 they would have shot really well.”

Dorian Evans and Paul Lovick were close behind George, both shooting 113, with Paul’s son Jack one target further behind on 112. All will be returning to shoot on Sunday.

It wasn’t just the top shots who enjoyed the course. As more shooters returned throughout the morning the consensus was that the course was challenging, but had targets for everyone and the venue was exceeding expectations. C class shooter Jack Whitelock from Bedfordshire went round in 85 and said, “The course was really good, it was a great set up and I’ve enjoyed myself today.”

John Bidwell was one of four shooters tied on 105 in the Veterans category. The High Lodge owner was able to enjoy the shoot having played the role of host last year.

“It’s nice to come and shoot the British this year, rather than hosting it!” he said. “It was a really good shoot and probably one of the nicest I’ve shot in a long time. I’d like to congratulate Tom and his team who have done an excellent job. New course and new design work, but how can you go wrong with such a beautiful venue like this.”
 

Please click here to see the Class & Category results from day one of the British Open English Sporting and click here for the full list of results.

Please click here to see the Class & Category results from day one of the Sportrap and click here for the full list of results.